With his year-long fitness challenge nearly completed, Paul Roberts is already making plans to continue his new, healthy lifestyle.

Last month, Roberts attended an exercise-training seminar in Philadelphia, as well as another seminar at Core Fitness in Wilmington, where he has been training with owner Arianne Missimer since last December.
“I want to learn more about training so I can continue working out effectively on my own once my challenge for the year is finished,” says Roberts. He says that his strength, balance, and agility are continuing to improve. “And,” he adds, “I’m having a great time working out.”

Eleven months ago, the Bear resident’s workouts consisted of some occasional walks at the Elkton YMCA. Now he’s on a six-day-a-week schedule that includes cardio, weight training, and intense workouts with Missimer. With her help, the 6’4” Roberts has dropped 30 lbs. from his beginning weight of 275, reduced his body fat by about 5 percent, and improved his blood pressure to a point that he’s been taken off medication to control it.

Missimer, meanwhile, continues to set goals for him—something she thinks keeps people motivated and focused. “Paul and I have continually set goals,” she says. “However, now that we’re more than halfway through the year, it’s critical to re-establish some specific goals. We set a goal for another 1 percent body-fat loss by the end of August, which he achieved. In order to do that, we added one full day of strength training to his regime. This helped him maintain the lean muscle he has, and gain some as well.”

And here’s a true indication of Roberts’ commitment: While on vacation this summer, he worked out daily at the Rehoboth YMCA.

Adds Missimer: “Paul couldn’t be doing better. He has taken a true interest in learning about what he’s doing and why, which has made him excel in his fitness.”